Nissan changes the face of European business.

Pioneering e-NV200 all-electric van and an innovative marketing programme are helping businesses to be more profitable and efficient

• e-NV200 is already electrifying businesses across in Europe
• e4Business programme aimed at SMEs
• New engines and new technology for NV400
• Greater safety and more equipment for Navara pick-up

Thanks to its range of versatile, practical and innovative models, Nissan is cementing its position as a global player in the LCV industry with more than one million LCVs sold consistently during the last three years.  Following the recent launch of e-NV200 in Europe, the company’s game-changing 100 percent electric van will re-write the light commercial vehicle rulebook.

Marrying elements from two award-winning vehicles – Nissan LEAF and Nissan NV200 – e-NV200 delivers not only zero emission mobility but also a guaranteed reduction in operating costs.

Capable of accessing all current and future clean air zones in our towns and cities, it is estimated that it has the potential to reduce operational costs by up to 40 percent, compared to a conventional diesel-powered vehicle.

This benefit to company profits has already been appreciated by a number of large fleet operators, including British Gas who has already ordered 100 e-NV200s.

And there are more fleet owners ready to join them. In Europe, almost a third of van users never drive more than 120kms in a business day.

This means that at least 200,000 diesel vans each year could be replaced with quiet and comfortable electric van, charging the vehicle once a day either at home or at the depot.

By doing so, they would be part of a revolution that is definitively changing the make-up of the LCV market.

The ground-breaking e-NV200 takes centre stage on Nissan’s stand at the 65^th Hannover Motor Show (23 September to 2 October), where it is joined by a possible glimpse of Nissan’s electric future: e-NV200 Concept for VIP Shuttle.

Although a concept at the moment, the VIP Shuttle builds on the qualities that have made e-NV200 a class leader. With just leather bound seats – two in the front and two ‘Club Class’ chairs in the passenger compartment – luxury and refinement are of the highest level and perfectly match the supreme quietness and ride quality of the standard e-NV200.

This VIP Shuttle also previews a genuine innovation: the Smart Rearview Mirror. The world’s first windscreen mounted LCD monitor, the mirror projects images of the area behind the vehicle supplied by a rear-mounted high resolution camera. It gives the driver a clear view from inside the vehicle regardless of whether a load is obscuring the rear windows or not.

Nissan’s LCV news is not restricted to electric vehicles, however. The Hannover stand also plays host to the latest NV400 featuring a range of efficient new twin turbo diesel engines offering more performance and lower fuel consumption.

The vast range – it includes front- and rear-wheel drive versions, three wheelbase options, four different lengths and three different heights – also features new advanced technologies offering greater comfort and safety. Refinements include the introduction of Hill Start Assist, DAB radios, Stop & Start and regenerative braking.

There are also a number of important changes to the respected Nissan Navara pick-up, with alloy wheels and added safety provided by VDC now standard across the board.

A new variant has also been introduced which marries the fuel saving and lower emissions benefits of a 144hp version of the trusted 2.5 dCi diesel engine with greater levels of comfort and equipment that come with SE specification.

Nissan is also launching a new business initiative at the Hannover Show. Called e4Business, the innovative scheme is designed to help Europe’s small and medium enterprises make more of a marketing impact to grow their businesses.

A unique marketing platform, e4Business will allow companies to take care of their day-to-day business leaving Nissan to spearhead (and fund) the marketing effort of their behalf.

Another element of the scheme incorporates an opportunity for forward-thinking companies to pitch their business or start-up proposals to a panel of Nissan experts. The best idea will win not just a full promotional campaign devised and funded by Nissan but also a brand new e-NV200 for the business.

“Like e-NV200, e4Business is innovative and exciting. Both will help businesses keep their costs as low as possible.

“Thanks to much lower maintenance charges and dramatically reduced fuel bills, e-NV200 will make a major contribution to a company’s bottom line while, via e4Business, Nissan will be picking up their marketing and promotional costs.

“Whichever way you look at it, Nissan is changing the way business operate,” said Ponz Pandikuthira, Director of Light Commercial Vehicles in Europe.